Best BCD: Top Rated and Reviewed Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensators
Choosing the best bcd isn't easy. There are lots of scuba BC's out there and what works for depends alot on personal preferences.
Do you want a weight integrated buoyancy compensator? Do you want a jacket style or wing style BC? What price can you afford? Of course, we all know there is no "one fits all". Nevertheless, I have chosen what I consider to be the best scuba diving BCD's at various price points - entry level or budget, mid range and high end - as well as ones specifically for women and the more technical divers.
To this end, I have read many ratings and reviews of various scuba diving BC's. I have only chosen those models which have received many top reviews from lots of different users. If it has universal good marks, chances are you will be happy with it too.
Personally, as I have discussed on previous pages, the buoyancy compensator I use is VERY basic and was purchased many, many years ago. Just like my old dive computer, suffice it to say it won't be winning any award for best scuba BCD. However, it still does the job but after reading about all these BC's, I think I just might buy a new one.
Here are my picks of the best scuba BCD's - from entry level to midrange to top of the line to female specific (recommendations will open in a new window on our partner's website).
Note: To decide which category the top BC's would go into, I based it on price. So the beginner/entry level is defined as buoyancy compensators under $300, the mid-range is priced between $300-$500 while the high end best BCD category are those BC's priced over $500.
Best BCD: High End/Top End
If money is no object, why not go for it? There are two options here and one of these should make you very happy (and I'm jealous!).
Our first pick gets lots of great reviews from users. It is an Oceanic model
It is a jacket-style, weight-integrated BCD that has rear trim pockets (this is one feature that I will be having on my next BC). Features include quick-release weight-integrated system, stainless steel D-rings and padded lumbar support.
This Oceanic model get high marks for comfort, durability, lots of features and ease of adjustment. As we all know, the ability to quickly adjust your buoyancy is a critical feature in a BC. Some of the reviews from LP users include:
"I researched hundreds of BC's for days on tens of websites looking for the best one. This piece of equipment has it all. Sweeping reviews, durability, storage capacity, lots of velcro back ups on all the weight pockets. Has room to stuff the kitchen sink in one pocket. I can dive for shark teeth without all my accessories ( screens, trough, camera, etc ) hanging all over the place. Material is bulletproof. Dries fast. Very comfortable for a big BC. Sizing is a little large though but not a problem. No tank slips yet with many many beach dives in tough surf. Very smooth adjusting on buoyancy control and holds you perfectly upright on the surface and flat as a pancake over a reef or wreck. I expect to be able to enjoy this Rolls Royce for at least 20 yrs. Pop the extra money for the backup reg/ inflator from Oceanic. Well worth the money. I guarantee you will enjoy this "high end" BC."
"An excellent BC. Very durable and has D-Rings galore to grow with. I love the various pockets on the BC and for a Jacket Style it is very clean in the water. This is my third BC in eleven years and will be with me for a long time!"
Our second pick for best bcd in the top end category is this Seaquest model. This BC features an expandable three-dimensional buoyancy bag design with very low profile and low drag characteristics.
Users just love this model and every reviewer gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Comments include:
"I've had this BC for two years and love it. I've had it in cold water, tropical and caves. Heavy material without being coarse; lots of D-rings; adjustable many ways. Buddies have commented on how I seem to magically sail over reefs with a couple inches of clearance, but to be honest, that is the way a back-inflation BCD works. Super-comfortable and hard-core durable. I honestly can't fault this unit."
"I bought the Black Diamond eight years ago, on the recommendation that it would probably be the only BC I would ever need as a recreational diver. So far, that's proven to be true. I find the unit to be comfortable, with quality materials and workmanship. It's served me well in both the cold waters of Puget Sound, as well as in the tropics.
If this one ever wears out, I hope that Seaquest is still producing them."
Best BCD: Mid-Range
I had my work cut out for me since there were so many models in this category. However, I did finally narrow it down to 2 models which I think most people would be happy with.
The first recommendation in the mid-range category for best bcd is a Zeagle model.
This also gets the nod as the best travel BC. This is one of Zeagle's more lightweight models that is great for travel. However, based on all the great reviews, it still lives up to Zeagle's reputation for high-quality BC's. Reviews include:
"I wanted a streamlined BC and the Zeagle Stiletto was exactly what I was looking for. It is sturdy and well made, adjustable to fit most any shape and easy to pack. Based on a review I bought the additional utility pocket and that was wise. I went by the sizing chart and the first BC sent fit until I inserted the lumbar support, which I do recommend, but allow about 3-4 inches if you do. [...]"
"This is a streamlined version of Ranger BCD . I love it for travel and the 35 lbs of lift is not really a compromise for how much smaller and lighter it is than my tech . After using Zeagle BCD you probably would never go back to another."
The second BC which gets the nod for best bcd in the mid-range category is a Mares model.
Users gave it high marks for ease of adjustment, comfortable, durability and number of features. Reviews of this buoyancy compensator from LP users include:
"I am very happy with the purchase of this BC. It is very functional and comfortable. The weight system is very easy to load and ditch. Good storage pockets, S/S D Rings and comfortable back padding."
"Great BC at a great price. Mares holds up to its reputation with this one. Very durable without sacrificing comfort. If you aren't strapped for money, upgrade to the airtrim."
Best BCD: Beginner or Entry Level
Even if you don't want to shell out alot of money on a buoyancy compensator you can still find some nice BC's that do a perfectly fine job.
The model that I have chosen as the best bcd in the entry level category is this Tusa model.
It gets very high marks for comfort, ease of adjustment, durability and features. You get alot for your money including great performance.
Some of the reviews of this BC include:
"Perfect BC. Comfortable, fits like a glove, definitely made to last. The weight integrated pockets are the best I've ever used, your weights aren't going anywhere. I've used bcs' where the pockets continuously fall out only to hang by a strap by the time you find out. All my expectations of this bc were blown out the water. This bc is great from beginners to advanced divers. I just recently got back from a very cold dive where i bottomed out at 85ft, and it worked without a flaw."
"Not much to say... after 600+ immersions with it, I'm buying a new one."
"So happy with it, comfortable and easy to adjust and just a great allround BC. Workmanship is great and easy to use!!"
Best BCD: Females
Women have special "considerations" that can make purchasing a BC a bit more complicated. There are BC's now made especially for females that are designed for a more comfortable fit. If you have tried more "male oriented" BC's and weren't happy with them, you might want to give these highly rated BC's a try.
The first bet for best bcd for women is a bit more inexpensive while the second recommendation is definitely high end. Depending on your needs and or preferences, I think you should be happy with one of them.
Of course, we all know there is no "one fits all". Nevertheless, I have chosen what I consider to be the best scuba diving BCD's at various price points - entry level or budget, mid range and high end - as well as ones specifically for women and the more technical divers.
